Willie Nelson Avoids Jail Time in Drug Case

The country singer, 73, and his tour manager were spared a jail sentence after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor count of marijuana possession in a St. Martinville, La., court on Tuesday, the Associated Press reports.

Nelson and tour manager David Anderson were issued citations on Sept. 18 after state troupers said a routine check of Nelson's tour bus turned up 1½ lbs. of marijuana and two-tenths of a pound of psychedelic mushrooms. Nelson faced up to six months in jail.

Nelson's sister Bobbie Nelson and two drivers were also cited at the time, but their citations were dismissed, local television station KATC-TV reported, according to the AP.

Nelson and Anderson were each fined $1,024 and State District Judge Paul deMahy sentenced both to six months of probation.

Nelson's appearance in the small Louisiana town created a buzz, drawing about 25 fans who waited for him after his brief court appearance, the AP reports. Nelson willingly shook hands, signed autographs and posed for photos.